"Yes, but what can we do with it? How are we supposed to eat it?" My husband had questions about the green stuff in the fridge. It was a lovely shade of green, and it was so delicious I had to stop myself from grabbing a spoon and demolishing it in one sitting. For him, and probably for most of you, broccoli puree is something foreign to be curious about, and to, hopefully, try for yourself.

The inspiration to create broccoli puree came of out of a moment of irrational exuberance. Organic broccoli was on sale for 99 cents per pound at Whole Foods, and so without even thinking about how I would prepare it, I loaded up! Turns out one and a half pounds of broccoli is a lot of broccoli for just two people to consume. I knew if we fell back on our regularly scheduled roasted broccoli recipe, we would be having leftovers for weeks. Plus, roasted broccoli does not make ideal leftovers. It's best right out of the oven, crisp, freshly salted, reminiscent of french fries. Simply put, it was not an option.

I happen to love anything you can eat with a spoon right out of the container, everything from hummus to ice cream. I also quite enjoy mashed potatoes, even if I don't make them more than once or twice annually. With this in mind, I decided that I would apply mashed potato technique to a lot of broccoli and see what happens.

What happens is utter deliciousness. What happens is that you have a healthy side dish that can dress up a plate of grilled chicken or fish, would be lovely tossed with pasta and Parmesan, and freezes quite well. It's versatile and satisfying. You can make it ahead of time. You can make it in large batches and save some for later (cook once, eat twice or more). You can make it vegan or not as you choose.

As this recipe is essence of broccoli, buy the best broccoli you can which is somewhat in season right now depending on where you live. This is a recipe that won't suffer if you play with it, say substituting butter for the extra virgin olive oil or doubling the amount you make. While it takes a bit of time, and some equipment, it is so very rewarding.

In a large stock pot or dutch oven (size: at least 5 quarts or more), fill it two-thirds full with water and a huge pinch of salt. Cover and bring to a boil. Uncover, add florets and cook for 5-7 minutes until the broccoli is tender and still a bright green color. Drain. Run under cold water quickly to stop the cooking process.

Set up your food processor with the blade attachment. You will likely have to do this in two batches. Add half the broccoli, 1 tablespoon of olive oil or butter, 1/4 cup chicken broth, 1/2 teaspoon salt. Process for one minute. Scrape down the sides of the bowl. Process for another 10 seconds. Taste. Does it seem dry? Add a little more broth. Does it need salt? If yes, add more. Is the mouthfeel silky and pleasurable? If not, add a little more fat - either the olive oil or butter or, if you are feeling delightfully naughty, half-and-half. Process for another 20 seconds. Scrape back into the pan you used to boil the broccoli (no need to get two pans dirty!). Repeat, until all the broccoli has been pureed and is back in the pan.

Gently reheat the broccoli over medium low heat until it is warm and not watery. If you find it is sticking to the pan, add a bit of olive oil. Add the nutmeg. Taste. If needed, add salt and pepper to taste. Serve warm as a side dish.

Storage: Will keep in a covered container in the refrigerator for three days or in the freezer for two months. Reheat gently after storage. You may need to add a little more olive oil and/or broth during the reheating process.

Make it vegan: Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and olive oil in place of butter.

Brian's preference: My husband likes to drown it in a blizzard of freshly grated Parmesan cheese.

Nutritional awesomeness: Broccoli is an excellent source of Vitamin C and Vitamin K. Vitamin C, as you likely know, supports your immune system. Vitamin K is essential for blood clotting, and it also helps transport calcium in the body.

Happy Valentine's Day friends! Today, let's talk about getting more love in our lives, more love hormone that is! The fastest way to counteract stress and the production of cortisol as a result of that stress is to produce some oxytocin, commonly called the love hormone. Oxytocin is released by the pituitary gland and induces a sense of love, connection, and trust. The good news is that you can train your brain to release it, thereby creating more love in your life when you need it. Couldn't we all use a little more love? I know I could!

Oxytocin is called the love hormone because it is most often and effectively released during sex or snuggling. In fact, touch is the most effective way to train your brain to release more oxytocin. Happily, you do not need to be coupled to do this. Hugging someone you love and feel safe with for 20 seconds will release it. When oxytocin enters our system, both cortisol levels and blood pressure are lowered. Petting a friendly animal also will release it. I always think of playing with Casey, my rescue dog, as my daily dose of oxytocin!

More good news: you do not have to physically touch someone to produce oxytocin. Connection sought and received from someone we love and trust also can stimulate oxytocin in the body. Call that friend you miss, send an email to someone with whom you want to connect, and drive down your stress response!

Oxytocin is very important to a woman's birth experience and relationship with her baby post-partum. Oxytocin aids the uterus during labor. After birth, it is released during breastfeeding. Studies have shown that women who had high levels of oxytocin during their pregnancy, have a better bonding experience with their baby.

Scientific studies are underway for how oxytocin can positively alter disease states. As these studies are ongoing, more research is need for conclusive results.

For now, it is enough to know that creating more oxytocin in your life is available to you, whether you are coupled or single, young or old. The love we seek can be ours and so easily! Happy Valentine's Day!

If you would like to learn more ways to invite oxytocin into your life, Linda Graham's book Bouncing Back is a good resource for exercises you can do to stimulate natural oxytocin production.

Want more love in your life? Yes, yes you do! I am giving away five (5!) one-hour health coaching sessions to help you start creating a life you love. It's first come first served. All you have to do is click here, fill out your contact information, and say, "Yes! I want a free health coaching session. Happy Valentine's Day to me!"

Author

﻿﻿Hi friends! I am Molly. Welcome to my blog where I share my creations and adventures to help you create a life you love. I am passionate about food, travel, and health! Thanks for stopping by and looking around. All photos are taken by me unless otherwise attributed. I develop and write all my recipes with attribution for inspiration and ideas where applicable. All of my recipes are gluten free. ﻿﻿